It started with an idea: to gather some of the wisest women and men I know—people who’ve navigated incredible highs and lows and come out with stories worth sharing. They know how to set goals that matter, care for themselves, and make money doing what they love. But even with all their wisdom, we had one challenge: time. The clock was our antagonist, always ticking, reminding each speaker to keep to their schedule. Yet, in those brief moments, something magical happened.
The Kennedy Space Center Visitor Complex was the perfect setting—a place where dreams of reaching the stars are made real. The energy was electric, like something big was about to happen. Capturing everything that unfolded that day in words feels impossible, but I’ll do my best to share the magic.
The day kicked off with Mark Kohler, my co-host, who knows how to light up a room. Mark spoke about creating family boards and structuring them to ensure their legacy continues. His words were practical and full of heart, leaving everyone thinking about how to protect what matters most.
Next came Jeff Hoffman, a man I’ve admired for years. His keynote on goal setting wasn’t your usual fluff—it was a challenge to break the limits we set for ourselves. The room shifted. People were rethinking their own paths, ready to take bold steps.
Then there was Robert Grant, who walked us through the complex world of data protection, making us all reconsider how we handle our personal and business information. It wasn’t just technical—it made us all think deeply about how we safeguard what’s most important.
Ashkan Karbasfrooshan, founder of WatchMojo with over 25 million subscribers, followed with his insights on brand building. His talk was honest, funny, and raw, sharing the ups and downs of building a brand that thrives in an ever-changing landscape. It left us inspired and entertained, ready to take on our own branding challenges.
After a quick break, we heard from H.E. Senior Rabbi Dr. Elie Abadie, whose words about leadership and service left us all reflecting on the responsibilities we carry. His humility and grace had the room quiet, hanging on every word.
Ambassador Ed McMullen then took the stage, speaking about the role of an ambassador. His stories of building bridges across cultures and fostering connections struck a deep chord. It was a reminder that diplomacy is about people, relationships, and understanding.
Dr. Keith Dorsey brought his expertise on becoming a paid board member. His practical, no-nonsense approach to leadership resonated with everyone. He showed us how to claim space in leadership roles, and people were taking notes like their future depended on it.
Then Chief Izzy Zephier grounded us with a beautiful talk on the wisdom of our ancestors. His words reminded us that no matter how far we go, where we come from shapes who we are. It was a moment of reflection, and you could feel the room pause with him.
Dr. David Bellar, the Dean of the University of West Florida, spoke next about the transformative power of education. His passion was contagious, reminding us how crucial learning is in shaping not only our futures but the future of our world.
And then, Dr. Mart McClellan stepped up with his lively talk on dental care, delivering one of the most memorable lines of the day: “If you ever have to choose between toothpaste or floss, always pick floss.” The room erupted in laughter, but the message landed. Self-care starts with the small things.
Now, while the speakers were setting the stage with their wisdom, none of this would have flowed so smoothly without my team. Ninja, our production genius, was everywhere, making sure every moment was captured and that nothing fell through the cracks. Sofia, with her design skills, transformed the venue into a living experience—every detail carefully crafted to enhance the energy of the day. Cousin Liz was the heart behind the scenes, handling backstage interviews and making sure every speaker felt seen and heard. And Samantha and Hilda, our partners at the Space Center, were the unsung heroes, managing every little detail behind the scenes so everything ran seamlessly. The magic everyone felt? That’s because of them.
And when I think about the fact that we were live on the GOT ONE Tv Network, streamed on Apple TV—it’s still hard to take in. It felt surreal, like a dream I didn’t want to wake from. But there was no time to dwell on that feeling because the afternoon quickly kicked off with an engaging panel moderated by myself, featuring Astronaut Dr. Dafydd Williams, Mark Lindsay, and Colin Breeze.
The focus was on global business, and they brought a perfect blend of humor and hard-won insights, sharing real-life examples of what works—and what doesn’t—on the global stage.
Kirk Huntsman then took the stage and spoke from the heart about the power of faith, reminding us how it can be that steady compass guiding us through life’s highs and lows. Then came Andre ‘Dre’ Lyon, a 4X Grammy-winning artist, who lit up the room with his story about discovering purpose. His words hit home, pushing us all to dig deeper and live more intentionally.
Jessica Word then shared her heartfelt talk on self-care, reminding us that resilience and balance aren’t just luxuries—they’re essentials. Her words resonated with everyone in the room, especially those of us who constantly push ourselves to the brink.
Next, Darren Lisiten and LyNea Bell gave a raw and honest panel on the realities entrepreneurs face, moderated by my co-host Mark Kohler. Their stories of both success and struggle had everyone on the edge of their seats, nodding along, knowing all too well the highs and lows of the entrepreneurial journey.
Steven Foster’s message about how “your story matters” brought the day into perspective. He reminded us that no matter where we come from, our stories have the power to change lives. It was a moment that tied everything together and reminded us why we gathered in the first place.
Joe Vezzani took us into the complex world of cryptocurrency, making it accessible and exciting. His passion for the future of finance had everyone rethinking their place in this new frontier.
Firas Safieddine then dove into the future of the metaverse, painting a vivid picture of what’s to come. His words left us intrigued and ready to embrace the digital world in new ways.
Roberto de Arquer followed with a thought-provoking talk on artificial consciousness, urging us to think beyond the physical and consider the deeper connections that unite us as human beings.
Austin Ambrozi’s talk on artificial intelligence was both inspiring and a little mind-blowing. He broke down how AI is changing industries and daily life, leaving everyone in awe of the possibilities.
Connor Whelton followed with a thought-provoking talk on marijuana and its evolving role in both business and culture. His fresh perspective on this emerging industry opened many eyes to its growing impact. Finally, Maria Dahrieh wrapped up the day with a powerful and moving talk on water—not just as a vital resource, but as a force that connects us all. Her words left a lasting impression, serving as the perfect conclusion to a day filled with connection, reflection, and purpose.
As I look back on the BlockBuzz Masterclass, it’s hard to put into words the depth of what was shared. Each speaker poured their heart into the room, offering wisdom, truth, and stories that touched us in ways we never expected. It wasn’t only about ideas—it was about connection, about truly seeing each other. The golden moments of the day are still with me, and they always will be.
But there was a moment when I caught myself standing there, reflecting on everything that had happened under the shadow of the Atlantis Shuttle. As Astronaut Dr. Dafydd Williams spoke, surrounded by some of the most brilliant, soulful people, I felt an overwhelming wave of emotion wash over me. This day wasn’t about me—it was a tribute to those who came before us, a promise to carry forward the dreams of those who never had the chance to reach their stars.
It was for every person we've lost whose time was cut short, and for those whose voices never fully broke through the noise. This masterclass was for them.